Rotel Michi Series 2 X3, X5 Integrateds and P5 Preamp Launched
Rotel's Michi Series 2 X3 and X5 integrateds and P5 stereo preamp each boast new DACs and over 90 improvements.
Michi's range has been bolstered by new and improved models, including the X3 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier (below), X5 Series 2, the latest iteration of the StereoNET Applause Winning integrated amp, and P5 Series 2 Stereo Preamplifier, whose previous version also impressed.
Michi's Series 2 sports an ultra-high precision eight-channel ESS SABRE 32-bit 768kHz ES9028PRO DAC alongside re-engineered and refined power supplies and audio circuitry. This, according to Rotel, results in improved audio performance.
Furthermore, we are told that signal paths have been optimised with lower noise and less distortion from the circuitry. Moreover, Rotel says the new Michis present more precision and detail to the sound and a more immersive soundstage.
The Michi X3 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier claims 350 watts of power into 4 ohms and 90 component upgrades. Connectivity includes analogue, digital (3x Optical, 3x Coax), PC-USB (MQA, PCM, DSD), and XLR ports while offering aptX HD Bluetooth wireless to sources. You also get the added benefit of a moving magnet (MM) phono stage for your turntable.
Meanwhile, the Michi X5 Series 2 (above) offers a powerful 600 watts of Class AB output into 4 ohms, pushed along by dual low-noise toroidal transformers manufactured in-house.
As well as a stated 95 component upgrades, the X5 Series 2 is equipped with the same source support as the X3 Series 2 (compared to 90 for the X3 Series 2) and supports all the same sources as the X3 Series 2, with an extra stereo line input, and also adds a built-in moving coil (MC) phono stage for vinylistas.
However, according to the press release, the prize for 'Most Improved Michi' goes to the P5 Series 2 Preamplifier (above) with at least 125 component upgrades.
We are informed that its dual eight-channel ESS SABRE DACs have been specially adapted to mono mode to extract more music detail. In addition, the dual toroidal transformers isolate the digital and analogue power supply feeds to further reduce noise and distortion.
The P5 Series 2 supports the same range of sources as the X5 Series 2 with an extra set of balanced XLR inputs and two pairs of balanced XLR outs.
The Rotel Michi X3 Series 2 (£5,999/ €7,000), the X5 Series 2 (£8,199/ €9,000), and the P5 Series 2 (£4,999/ €5,500) are all available later this month.
Visit Rotel for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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